A new study has revealed the UK's top 'happy places', with a pub lunch in the Cotswolds taking the top spot.

Researchers from Serviced Apartment Company Saco polled UK holidaymakers and revealed one in four Brits believe there really is 'no place like home' when it comes to holidays.

The findings detailed which places in the UK evoke special memories for Britons and ultimately make them 'happy', with hiking in the Lake District coming a close second, followed by eating an ice-cream on Brighton Beach.

A new study has revealed the UK's top 'happy places', with a pub lunch in the Cotswolds taking the top spot

Enjoying fish and chips in Padstow Harbour and admiring the white sandy beaches of the Hebrides completed the top five happy spots.

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Of the 1,500 adults polled, nearly two thirds said some of their fondest memories of being a child are holidaying in Britain - and 57 per cent are trying to replicate those memories for their own children.

Cornwall was by the far the most popular UK holiday destination, followed by the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and Devon.

Two thirds claimed if you could always guarantee the weather, they would never go abroad, choosing Cornwall as their preferred location to holiday in the UK and a further 37 per cent said that some of their best holidays have been in Britain.

Admiring the beaches of the Hebrides is one of the ultimate British 'happy places'. Pictured, Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides

Visiting the Roman Baths in Bath was another 'happy place' for British tourists, many of whom want to replicate happy childhood memories for their own children

Eating fish and chips in Padstow came in fourth in the 'happy place' ranking

TOP 30 ULTIMATE BRITISH 'HAPPY PLACES' REVEALED

1. Pub lunch in the Cotswolds

2. Walking / hiking in the Lake District

3. Eating ice-cream on Brighton Beach

4. Eating fish and chips in Padstow

5. Admiring the white sandy beaches of the Hebrides

6. Walking in the Peak District

7. Enjoying a cream tea in the Isles of Scilly

8. Enjoying a pasty in St Ives

9. Visiting the Roman Baths

10. Open top bus ride in London

11. Picking fossils on the Jurassic Coast

12. Swimming in Bude Sea Pool, Cornwall

13. Boating on the Norfolk broads

14. Eating candy floss at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

15. Walking the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path

16. Walking the dog on Holkham Bay, Norfolk

17. Searching for Nessie at Loch Ness

18. Playing arcade games on Weston Super Mare Pier

19. Building sand castles on Blackpool Sands beach

20. Climbing St Michaels Mount

21. Winning a toy for the children in Barry Island

22. Rock Pooling in Polzeath Beach

23. Exploring Exmore

24. Playing rounders on Perranporth Beach, Cornwall

25. Strolling over the Clifton suspension bridge

26. Riding donkeys on Great Yarmouth Beach

27. Surfing on Fistral Beach

28. Crabbing in Looe

29. Punting on the Cam

30. Sailing in Salcombe

A Saco spokesman said: 'Britain really does have it all - whether that's food and drink, leisure, accommodation and entertainment, or the great outdoors and sprawling beaches.

'In terms of culture, history and picturesque scenery, many popular European resorts couldn't compete.

'There's no better time to visit a memorable location that makes you feel happy and content.

Sightseeing through London on an open-top bus is another British holidaymaker's favourite

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES ON A BRITISH HOLIDAY

Eating fish and chips

A pub lunch

Eating a cream tea

Building sand castles

Paddling

Playing arcade games

Getting blown about on a beach

Skimming stones in the sea

Relaxing in a deck chair

Getting rained on

Playing in rock pools

Eating a pasty

Playing cards

Crabbing

'Many parents are choosing to relive their childhood memories by visiting places of interest with their own children.'

Nearly half of those polled said the biggest benefit of holidaying in the UK was the fact you could travel at a time of day to suit you and a quarter love the fact you don't need to take out expensive travel insurance.

Being able to travel by car, avoiding sweltering heat and being able to take the family dog along were also listed as benefits of the staycation - along with it being more affordable.

Must-do things on a traditional British summer break include paddling, skimming stones and building sand castles.

And many activities revolved around food with eating fish and chips, cream teas, pasties and sampling a traditional pub lunch all on the holiday checklist.

Of those quizzed 27 per cent said it was a must to get blown about on a windy beach and 24 per cent said you haven't experienced a true British holiday until you've been caught in torrential rain.

Interestingly, the research showed that a typical seven-day break in the UK would set you back £743, compared to £1,555 if you went abroad.

Cornwall was by the far the most popular UK holiday destination, with holidaymakers especially keen on the joys of eating traditional Cornish pasties in St Ives

Walking in the Lake District National Park was the second favourite 'happy place' for Brits